Automated optical lens processing system, such as a system for providing supplemental information to laboratory technicians

ABSTRACT

An electronic lens processing system receives a lens prescription and performs lens calculations to create a work ticket for manufacturing the lens. Information that the system used to create the work ticket, such as data files for lens materials and machine settings for controlling lens manufacturing equipment, are stored. The work ticket includes a form that specifies work ticket calculations and/or a graphic of the lens or lenses to be manufactured. The system displays the work ticket on an electronic screen, and a laboratory technician can select elements from the work ticket to receive supplemental information on those elements to aid in processing the lens or determining why a lens prescription is not manufacturable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/644,454, filed Dec. 22, 2009, which is hereby fully incorporated byreference. This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No.10/483,113, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,082, which is hereby fullyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Eyeglass prescription orders are typically accomplished by filling out aform that requires completing an average minimum of 20 discrete blanksor fields and may have up to 75 fields or more depending on the specialrequirements of the order. The information contained in an eyeglassprescription order can be classified into the following several groups.

Two key items in the order are: the actual prescription—A patient'srefractive powers; and

Patient information—Name, plus the measurements of the patient's eyeshorizontally and vertically with respect to the patient's chosen frame.

The Frame—Since most frame companies sell directly to Eye CareProfessionals (ECPs), the frame is frequently enclosed with theprescription (“Rx”) or sent later to an optical laboratory to processlenses for the frame. The frame must be described on the order, even ifnot supplied, because the laboratory must be able to identify customerframes if separated from the lenses in the lens production process.

Lens Product—There are hundreds of different types of lens styles, eachone may come in different materials (glass, plastic, etc.), and eachmaterial may come in different colors, coatings, and power combinations.A frequent error in eyeglass prescription ordering is specifying anunavailable lens product. That is, each separate piece of information ofthe lens order is valid, but taken together describes a product or lensthat either is not made or is not available from the laboratory thatreceived the order.

Lens services—There are a variety of lab-supplied services that can beadded to a lens product as described above. For example, labs oftenprovide coatings for scratch resistance, anti-reflection,mirror-reflection, or colors. Order options should be available forselected lens products and compatible.

Another type of lens service provided by labs relates to edgingprocesses (shaping for insertion into frames). A lens may be polished onthe edge or ordered to a specific thickness. Again, errors in orderingoccur because certain finishing features may not be available for theparticular lens/frame combination selected.

All the various components of an eyeglass prescription order may indeedmake sense when viewed independently, but there is an error rate of morethan 20% associated with handling orders that result fromincompatibility in the “inter-relationships” between the items on theorder, thus making the order not manufacturable in the laboratory by thetechnician.

The need exists for a system that overcomes the above problems, as wellas one that provides additional benefits. Overall, the examples hereinof some prior or related systems and their associated limitations areintended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations ofexisting or prior systems will become apparent to those of skill in theart upon reading the following Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a prior art eyeglass lens prescription entryform.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method ofgenerating a work ticket from a lens prescription.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method ofdisplaying supplemental information for a work ticket on a display.

FIG. 3A is an example work ticket where lens processing parameters aredisplayed on a form.

FIG. 3B is an example work ticket showing lens processing parametersdisplayed in a graphical format.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method used by alaboratory technician to manufacture a lens according to a lensprescription.

FIGS. 5A-5D are work ticket forms showing examples of tool tips thatprovide supplemental information for lens processing.

FIGS. 6A-6H are examples of graphical work tickets showing examples oftool tips that provide supplemental information for lens processing.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method of displayinga problem with an eyeglass prescription order.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example of a userinterface system that displays supplemental information for a lensmanufacturing work ticket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Described in detail below is a system that can accept an eyeglassprescription and create a work ticket for use by a laboratory technicianfor manufacturing the prescription lenses. The process for creating thework ticket accepts machine settings for controlling lens manufacturingequipment, accesses data files for specific lens materials, and performslens calculations to optimize thickness values of the lens. Theinformation used by the system to create the work ticket can be accessedas supplemental information through the use of tool tips by a user ofthe work ticket. The work ticket is displayed on a screen to the user.When a user moves a cursor over the various fields of the work ticket,the system displays relevant supplemental information corresponding tothe different fields. Tool tips are useful as a training tool forlaboratory technicians, setting up new equipment used to manufactureeyeglass lenses, analyzing an eyeglass prescription job that isproblematic to manufacture, etc.

Various aspects and examples of the invention will now be described. Thefollowing description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled inthe art will understand, however, that the invention may be practicedwithout many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structuresor functions may not be shown or described in detail, so as to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

The terminology used in the description presented below is intended tobe interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it isbeing used in conjunction with a detailed description of certainspecific examples of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasizedbelow; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in anyrestricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such inthis Detailed Description section.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a prior art prescription lens entry form foran electronic ordering system used by an eye care professional (ECP), asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,082 and is incorporated herein byreference. Information used to identify the patient and the ECP areprovided in section 110. The prescription for the eyeglass lenses isentered in section 120. Prescription information includes, but is notlimited to, spherical power, cylindrical power, and cylindrical axis ofeach lens ordered.

At section 130, specific information about the lenses, for example, thestyle of the lens (single vision, bifocal, etc.), lens material(polycarbonate, glass, etc.) and lens color or tinting, can bespecified. Further information about customizing the lenses to thepatient's preferences, such as lens coatings, can be entered in sections140 and 150. Section 160 allows the ECP to enter information about thepatient's chosen frames. And section 170 provides pricing and othercustomized services requested by the ECP and/or the patient.

The prescription lens information can be entered directly into anelectronic eyeglass or lens ordering system by the ECP and then exportedto a different electronic lens processing system. Alternatively, theprescription can be entered manually into an appropriate lens processingsystem by data entry personnel. Once the prescription information ismade available to the processing system, the system takes the eyeglassordering information and generates a work ticket to be used by theoptical laboratory technician to manufacture a custom pair of eyeglassesthat meet the prescription requirements.

Suitable Processes and Interfaces

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 200A ofgenerating a work ticket for manufacturing the lenses for an eyeglassprescription. At block 205, the system receives a lens prescription thathas been ordered by an ECP. The lens prescription can include, but isnot limited to, information shown in the example prescription entry formshown in FIG. 1.

At block 210, the system accesses data files to perform lens layoutcalculations and determine appropriate lens tool settings formanufacturing the custom lenses. Examples of accessed data filesinclude, but are not limited to, lens stock data, frame stock data,surfacing data, finishing data, and other miscellaneous data files.Examples of lens stock data include style attributes, such as minimumfitting height for progressive lenses; material attributes, such astintability and compatibility with various coatings; recommended lensbase curve selection information for use with particular eyeglassprescriptions; lens technical information, such as lens blank dimensionsand curve measurements; lens inventory in the laboratory; and lens picklists for which manufacturer's lens blank and which lens size to use fora given prescription, ranked according to the laboratory's preferences.Examples of frame stock data includes size and color availability;whether a frame is available for requested eye, bridge, and/or templemeasurements; and technical details, such as the minimum lens edgethickness and compatible lens base curve. Examples of surfacing datainclude setup files for the generator, i.e. surfacing machine; prismdata that tells how much prism the generator is capable of producing ina generated lens; information about the dimensions of the blocks used tohold the lenses in the generator; information about the tools thegenerator uses to grind lenses and the pads placed on the tools, such asthe diameter and curvature of the tools and thickness of the pads; andgauge data that provides the type of gauge used to measure the lenscurves and thicknesses. Examples of finish data include whether acoating is compatible with a particular tint or lens material;adjustments made to the prescription to account for the way the framefits on a patient's face; and the position and shape of drill holes.Examples of other data files include information that flags preferencesor warnings that are specific to a particular account and/or doctor,such as a doctor specifying an anti-reflective coating on every order.

In one example where data files need to be accessed, a lensmanufacturing tool called a lap is used. The lap tool has a particularcurve and is covered with abrasive pads of various types and thicknessesthat grind a lens blank of a chosen material to alter the curvature ofthe lens blank to produce the desired lens geometry. Lap tools areavailable in different increments and with certain calibration values. Atypical eyeglass manufacturing facility has an inventory ofapproximately 6000 lap tools. For each prescription, the optimum laptools should be chosen that are most suitable for creating a lens forthat prescription. Consequently, information related to the lap toolsused by a particular laboratory should be accessible by the system toselect appropriate tool settings during the lens processingcalculations. Because the pads, the tool increments, and the way thetools are cut all impact the selection of the lap tools for a particularjob, it can be beneficial for a laboratory technician to be able toaccess the selection information through the tool tip system. Thesupplemental information provided through tool tips not only allows thelaboratory technician to check the tool, but also to learn why thesystem selected certain tools and parameters for the manufacturingprocess.

Then at block 215, the system uses the data in the files accessed atblock 210 to perform a prescription calculation for generating theprescribed lens. Input information for the lens calculations includes,but is not limited to, the lens prescription order information and theframe information, such as the shape of the frame, and the other datafiles listed above. One calculation selects the appropriate lens basedupon data such as the patient's measurements, the power of the patient'sprescription, and set up files for the generator for the particularlaboratory. Another calculation involves calculating the cosmetics ofthe job based upon data such as the frame, the lens, the prescription,and calculating the thickness over the entire lens. Similarly, all ofthe surfacing, fining, and polishing information for a lens requirecalculations by the system Thus, information generated by thecalculation includes, but is not limited to, the specific lens tools tobe used such as the lap tools and blocks to be used during the lensmanufacturing process, calculations of the final thickness of the lensover the entire lens surface, and the work ticket calculations forsurfacing and finishing the lens.

At block 220, the system stores information used during the lenscalculation to generate the prescribed lens. In one embodiment, not allof the information and calculations generated by the system during theprescription calculations need to be stored, only enough informationneeded to re-calculate any supplemental information needed by the labtechnician when requested with tool tips. Alternatively, the system canstore all the values and parameters determined during the prescriptioncalculations as supplemental information for display when requestedthrough tool tips. The laboratory technician can access the storedinformation during processing of the lens as needed, using the intuitiveuser interface provided by the tool tips to be described below.

At block 225, the system generates a work order or work ticket for thelens. The work ticket can include a form showing the lens manufacturingparameters and/or a graphic of the lens blanks to be machined into thefinal prescription lens. The work ticket is referenced during the lensmanufacturing process by the technician who will be making the customlens. One example of a work ticket 300A is shown in FIG. 3A. The processends at block 299.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 200B ofdisplaying supplemental information for a work ticket on a display.

At block 240, the system accesses the work ticket generated at block 225of FIG. 2A. The system accessing the work ticket at block 240 may or maynot be the same as the system that generated the work ticket. The workticket can have the format of a form, for example the form 300A shownbelow in FIG. 3A. Additionally or alternatively, the work ticket canhave a graphical format, for example the graphic 300B shown below inFIG. 3B. The graphic is a picture of the lens or lenses 350, 352 to bemanufactured superimposed on the lens blank 355 to be used. The systemthen displays the work ticket on a screen at block 245.

The screen should be remotely accessible by a user through the use of aninput device, such as a mouse, to move a cursor over the work ticketdisplayed on the screen to select elements of interest from the workticket to obtain supplemental information. Supplemental information caninclude standard documentation about the item of interest. Alternativelyor additionally, supplemental information can include customized lensparameter values that have been used in a prescription lens calculationfor the lens, for example, the refractive index of the lens materialused in the calculation, the minimum thickness of the lens, the effectof polishing on the thickness of the lens, and/or gauge parameters to beused for measuring lens sag during or after the manufacturing process.

Movements of the cursor on the display made by the user are detected bythe system at block 250. Then at decision block 255, the systemdetermines whether a work ticket element has been selected by the user.A user can select an element by moving the cursor to or near an element.If the cursor has not been moved or has not been moved to or near anelement that has supplemental information associated with it (block255—No), the process returns to block 250. If the cursor has been movedto or near an element of the work ticket (block 255—Yes), the processcontinues to decision block 260.

At decision block 260, the system accesses a work element database todetermine whether there is any supplemental information available forthe selected element of the work ticket. If there is no supplementalinformation available (block 260—No), the process returns to block 250.If there is supplemental information available (block 260—Yes), theprocess continues to decision block 262 where the system determines ifany calculations need to be performed to find the appropriateparameters, values, and other information to be displayed in tool tips.

If calculations are needed (block 262—Yes), the system performs therequisite calculations at block 264, and the process continues to block265. If no calculations are needed (block 262—No), the process continuesto block 265 where the system displays the appropriate supplementalinformation. The supplemental information can include, but is notlimited to, calculations, parameters, steps used by the system to derivethe parameters, and/or documentation, and the supplemental informationcan be provided in different formats, for example as a pop-up tool tipbox, or as a separate window.

At block 270, the system again detects the position of the cursor on thescreen. Then at decision block 275, the system decides whether there hasbeen any movement of the cursor. If the cursor has not moved (block275—No), at block 280 the system maintains the display of the previouslyaccessed supplemental information on the screen, and the process returnsto block 270. If the user has moved the cursor (block 275—Yes), thesystem can remove the display of supplemental information from thescreen at block 285. Then the process returns to decision block 255 todecide whether another work ticket element has been selected.

FIG. 3A is an example work ticket where lens manufacturing instructionsand parameters are displayed on a form 300A. The work ticket has severalsections. Any of the work ticket calculations in any section of the workticket may be selected by the user to obtain additional relevant relatedlens processing information stored by the system. The identification andcontact information for the patient and/or the ECP are displayed insection 305, and the lens prescription information provided by the ECPis shown in section 310.

The lens information that describes the parts to be selected frominventory for manufacturing the lens are shown in section 320. Lensinformation includes the lens manufacturer, size of the lens, whetherthe required lens type is stocked, and the type of lens, for example,single vision, progressive, plastic, high index, polycarbonate, coated,or uncoated. The frame information for the eyeglasses is shown insection 325, for example, the style, color, and manufacturer, andwhether the frame has a rim or is rimless.

Information relating to surfacing of the lens is displayed in section330. The first line in section 330 provides information for laying thelens out for blocking and applying the block. The second line in section330 provides information on how to set the generator, including theamount of prism needed, the base curve which creates the spherical powerof the lens, and the cross curve which creates the cylindrical orastigmatic power of the lens. Prism can be induced in lenses for manyreasons, for example, if the doctor prescribes a prism to be placed infront of the patient's optical center, by tilting the lens and inducinga prism, the optical center can be moved around on the lens. Sometimesthe laboratory equipment requires that the prism is created at theblocker by tilting the holding device, other times the machine that cutsthe curves on the back of the lens offsets and creates the prism. Also,a laboratory might have a different piece of equipment for processing apolycarbonate lens than for processing a glass lens or lens made ofanother material. Thus, the tool tip allows a laboratory technician toselect the prism entry on the work ticket to see how the equipment isset up for a particular lens manufacturing job without having toreference a setup file that changes for different lenses.

The base and cross curves specified in the second line in section 330are the curves to be cut into the lens by the generator. The third linein section 330 provides information on the tools used to produce thebase and cross curves. The set of tool curves specifies the lap toolsthat are used to polish out the curves that are cut by the generator.Essentially, pads made of sandpaper are used to remove the rough marksof the machines that cut the curves and to produce an optical qualitysurface. Consequently, there is a difference between the first set ofmachine tool curves specified in the second line and the second set ofsurface curves specified in the third line that are created by the tool.

The surfacing information given in the second line of section 330further includes the settings for the grinding machine that selects thethickness of the lens to be ground. The information in the second lineprovides the thickness of the blank and further shows calculationalcaliper checks that can be used to determine whether the edge of thesurfaced lens has the correct thickness. Because different machines havedifferent setup methods and different thickness settings that areparticular to the type of generator being used by the laboratory, thetool tip system can conveniently show a setting value that is differentfrom the actual final thickness of the lens to be produced.

Further, the third line of section 330 provides base sag and cross sagparameters that are used by gauge measuring tools to ensure that thecurves are cut the way the system calculates that the curves should becut. A user can access the information using the tool tip by moving acursor over the appropriate work ticket element, causing the informationto be displayed in a pop-up box. Thus, if the machine setting is notneeded by the user, the additional information does not clutter up thework ticket.

Surfacing information can also include the technical details required toproduce the appropriate curves on the selected lens blank, for example,the layout method, the reference point for the particular lens style,the lap tool precision and the lap tool pad thickness used in the lenscalculation. These parameters are used by the laboratory technician toproduce the lens and to check that the correct machines in thelaboratory are used to produce the appropriate lens prescription. Thus,the tool tips can be used for proofing operations and for setting up anew piece of equipment in the laboratory.

Information relating to finishing of the lenses is displayed in section335. The finishing information includes, but is not limited to, rollingthe edges of the lens, polishing the lens, coating the lens, and tintingthe lens.

For prescriptions that specify rimless frames, information on drillingof holes in the lens is needed. The holes have certain geometricrequirements because a lens must have a minimum thickness to hold themounting apparatus for the frame. The lens also has a maximum thicknessimposed by the drilling equipment. Thus, the tool tip can provideinformation on drill-hole thicknesses in the lens. If the drill-holethickness is not within an acceptable range, the prescription can beflagged as a problem. The drill-hole thickness information can bevisualized using the tool tip functionality with the graphical workticket described below in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3B is an example work ticket showing cosmetic information about thelens manufacturing parameters displayed in a graphical format 300B. Thework ticket graphic 300B shows the patient's right lens 350 on the leftand the patient's left lens 352 on the right, the way the patient'slenses would be seen on the patient's face. The lenses are superimposedon images of the starting round lens blanks 355, 357 from which thelenses will be manufactured.

Also shown in the graphic 330B are some markings used by lens blankmanufacturers. Because different lens blank manufacturers use differentmarkings, it would be helpful for the lens technician to have a readilyaccessible definition of the markings available through the use of tooltips. Thus, if the technician making the lens points a cursor at one ofthe markings, the system can be programmed to display the meaning of themarking in a tool tip and any specific effects the marking will have onthe lens being manufactured. For example, the letter “E” marking 360 asshown in FIG. 3B identifies the thickest point on the periphery of thelens to be manufactured. The optimum thickness of the lens at a specificpoint selected by the cursor can also be displayed in a tool tip to aidthe technician in manufacturing the lens.

Tool information for producing the lenses are displayed in section 360below the graphics of the lenses.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 400 used by alab technician to manufacture a lens according to a lens prescription.At block 405, the technician accesses the work ticket in form format,for example 300A in FIG. 3A, and/or graphical format, for example 300Bin FIG. 3B, on an electronic display. Based upon the informationprovided in the work ticket, at block 410, the technician selects a lensblank having the appropriate parameters for manufacturing the lens, suchas lens material, any requested lens tint, and polarization.

At block 415, the technician surfaces the lens based at least upon theinformation listed in section 330 of FIG. 3A. At blocks 420 and 425, thetechnician polishes and finishes the lens based at least upon theinformation listed in section 335 of FIG. 3A. Throughout the lensmanufacturing process, the lab technician can access supplementalinformation using the tool tips to determine whether the lens is beingmanufactured according to the system's prescription calculation. Theprocess ends at block 499.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are examples of work ticket forms showing examples oftool tips that provide supplemental information that functions asdocumentation to more fully describe a field or a symbol shown on thework ticket. FIG. 5A shows the upper portion of the work ticket formshown in FIG. 3A with supplemental information provided in a tool tipabout the lens manufacturer and the lens blank. FIG. 5B shows the upperportion of the work ticket form shown in FIG. 3A with supplementalinformation shown as a tool tip that discusses the reference point for aparticular lens style. Documentation information is easily providedthrough the use of tool tips.

FIGS. 5C and 5D are examples of work ticket forms showing examples oftool tips that provide supplemental information where the supplementalinformation provides dynamic customized lens information useful to thelab technician for manufacturing a prescribed lens, determining why aprescription calculation does not yield a manufacturable lens, orensuring that a lens satisfies the requirements of the job. FIG. 5Cshows the upper portion of the work ticket form shown in FIG. 3A withsupplemental information shown as a tool tip about generator curves thatare adjusted for tool/pad compensation. Additionally, supplementalinformation is provided about the lens manufacturing tools used in thelaboratory and taken into account by the lens calculation program whendetermining the work ticket calculations shown in the work ticket. FIG.5D shows the lower portion of the work ticket form shown in FIG. 3A withsupplemental information provided in a tool tip about the tool curves,such as the radius of curvature and tool precision information. Thus,the dynamic tool tip information can provide information on howparticular parameters have been obtained, rather than just labeling orproviding definitions of a given field or symbol.

FIGS. 6A-6H are examples of graphical work tickets showing supplementalinformation about a lens for use in a rimless pair of eyeglasses. When auser moves a cursor over the graphical work ticket, information aboutthe lens, such as the thickness, the coordinates of the cursor locationon the lens, and any special information relating to a particular pointis provided. FIG. 6A provides the information relating to a first drillpoint; FIG. 6B shows the information relating to a second drill point;FIG. 6C shows the information relating to the optical center of thelens; FIG. 6D provides the information relating to the lens blockcenter; FIG. 6E provides the information relating to the frame center;FIG. 6F shows the information relating to the near sighting circle,where the near sighting circle is the region of the lens used by thepatient for looking at objects close to the user; FIG. 6G provides theinformation relating to the thinnest point of the lens; and FIG. 6Hshows the information relating to the thickest point of lens.

As can be seen from FIGS. 6A-6H, tool tips is an effective way to depictthe geometry of the lens processing job. Traditionally,three-dimensional portrayals of the lenses have been used where the lensis shown on a three-dimensional grid that can be rotated. However, withthe graphical work ticket, the laboratory technician can use the tooltips only if necessary, thus avoiding cluttering the work ticket withexcessive information. Moreover, the laboratory technician will alwaysbe oriented to look at the lenses as they would be seen on a patient'sface. Thus, the layout is more intuitive, and the likelihood of thelaboratory technician making a mistake in translating the informationfrom the graphical work ticket to the lens being processed is reduced.

Because many different complicated combinations of eyeglass parameterscan be specified by the ECP and/or patient, there is a good possibilitythat the resulting lens request may turn out to be impossible tomanufacture. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method700 of displaying a problem with an eyeglass prescription order. Atblock 705, the system checks the prescription calculation against theprescription order. Then at decision block 710, the system determines ifthere are any problems or inconsistencies that would prevent the lensprescription request from being processed. If there are no problems(block 710—No), at block 715 the system provides the work ticket for theprescription request, and the process ends at block 799.

If there are problems with the prescription request (block 710—Yes), atblock 720, the system flags the prescription as a manufacturing problem.Then at block 725, the system indicates the particular difficulties withmanufacturing the prescription. The system displays the work ticket withappropriate tool tip information that address the prescriptionmanufacturing difficulties at block 730. At this point, the techniciancan examine the work ticket and bring up the relevant tool tips todetermine the source of the problem and discuss the problem along withpotential solutions with the requesting ECP. For example, the tool tipscan show a warning to check the frame thickness. Then the technician canbring up a screen that shows the drill points in the lens and determinethat the lens blank is not appropriate for a particular drill mountingrequested for the rimless frame requested in the eyeglass order. Theprocess ends at block 799.

In one example, the tool tip information provided by the system at block730 can include a list of recommended options for manufacturing the lensor lenses. For example, the system can recommend changing to a higherrefractive index lens material or using an aspheric curve on the lens.However, because these recommendations impact the final lensprescription, the lab technician cannot automatically act upon theserecommendations. The system provides the recommendations to thetechnician as a starting point for discussions with the prescribing ECPin an attempt to develop a design that satisfies the ECP's requirementsand the patient's preferences.

Suitable Systems

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example of a userinterface system 800 that displays supplemental information for a lensmanufacturing work ticket through the use of tool tips. The userinterface system 800 can include one or more processors 810, memoryunits 820, input/output devices 830, power supplies 840, and displays850. The user interface system 800 can access a server 823 that has oneor more databases 826. Alternatively, the user interface system 800 caninclude the server 823 and databases 826.

A processor 810 can be used to control the user interface system 800.Memory units 820 include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, and anycombination of volatile and non-volatile memory. Input/output devices830 can include, but are not limited to, triggers to start and stop theuser interface system 800, visual displays, speakers, and communicationdevices that operate through wired or wireless communications, such as amouse for controlling a cursor. In one embodiment, the input/outputdevice 830 can communicate with a server 823 that has one or moredatabases 826. The server 823 provides access to files stored in thedatabase 826 and/or other additional information. In one embodiment, thedatabase 826 can include supplemental information to be displayed usingtool tips for each of the work elements, and the database can alsoprovide directions for how to recalculate the values and parameters thatneed to be displayed as part of the supplemental information.

A power supply 840 can include, but is not limited to, a battery. Adisplay 850 can include, but is not limited to, an electronic display.

CONCLUSION

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense (i.e., to say, in thesense of “including, but not limited to”), as opposed to an exclusive orexhaustive sense. As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” orany variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct orindirect, between two or more elements. Such a coupling or connectionbetween the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, refer to this application as awhole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where thecontext permits, words in the above Detailed Description using thesingular or plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or moreitems, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any ofthe items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combinationof the items in the list.

The above Detailed Description of examples of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific examples for the invention are describedabove for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications arepossible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in therelevant art will recognize. For example, while lenses for eyeglassesare mentioned, any type of lens may be processed under the principlesdisclosed herein. While processes or blocks are presented in a givenorder in this application, alternative implementations may performroutines having steps performed in a different order, or employ systemshaving blocks in a different order. Some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to providealternative or subcombinations. Also, while processes or blocks are attimes shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks mayinstead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed atdifferent times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are onlyexamples. It is understood that alternative implementations may employdiffering values or ranges.

The various illustrations and teachings provided herein can also beapplied to systems other than the system described above. The elementsand acts of the various examples described above can be combined toprovide further implementations of the invention.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts included insuch references to provide further implementations of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain examples of the invention, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theinvention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its specific implementation, while still beingencompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the invention is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, other aspects may likewise be embodiedas a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as beingembodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to betreated under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for.”)Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claimsafter filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms forother aspects of the invention.

We claim:
 1. An electronic lens processing system to facilitate the manufacture of lenses in a laboratory, comprising: a display; at least one memory component storing a software program and supplemental information, wherein the supplemental information includes laboratory information, and wherein the laboratory information pertains to equipment, tools, or materials at the laboratory used to physically machine a lens from a lens blank in the laboratory; at least one input/output device; a processor coupled among the display, the memory component, and the input/output device, wherein the processor is configured to execute the software program, the software program comprising: a first module operable to perform calculations based at least upon a received lens order and the laboratory information to generate a work ticket for the lens and to store information about the calculations and the laboratory information in the memory component as the supplemental information, wherein the lens order specifies a prescription and parameters for the lens, and the work ticket includes at least some of the laboratory information for physically machining the lens specified by the lens order from the lens blank at the laboratory; a second module operable to show on the display at least a portion of the work ticket and receive information regarding a position of a cursor or pointer movable by a user and shown in the display; and a third module operable to provide a portion of the supplemental information on the display corresponding to an element of the displayed work ticket indicated by the position of the cursor or pointer.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information includes lens stock data.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the lens stock data includes at least one of: style attributes, material attributes, recommended lens base curve selection information for use with particular lens prescriptions, lens technical information, lens blank inventory in the laboratory, lens pick lists for which manufacturer's lens blank and which lens size to use for the prescription.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information includes frame stock data.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the frame stock data includes at least one of: frame size availability; frame color availability; whether a given frame is available for requested eye, bridge, or temple measurements; minimum lens edge thickness for a given frame and a compatible lens base curve for a given frame.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information includes surfacing data.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the surfacing data includes at least one of: setup files for a generator machine, an amount of prism the generator machine can produce in a generated lens, information about dimensions of blocks used to hold lenses in the generator machine, information about tools the generator machine uses to grind lenses and pads placed on the tools, and gauge data about the type of gauge used to measure lens curves and thicknesses.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information includes finishing data.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the finishing data includes at least one of: whether a coating is compatible with a particular tint, whether a coating is compatible with a particular lens material, adjustments made to the prescription to account for how a given frame fits a patient's face, a position of drill holes, and a shape of drill holes.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information further includes information specific to an account or a lens prescribing doctor.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information includes information about lap tools used by the laboratory and specific lap tools and blocks for manufacturing the lens.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information includes instructions for setting up lens fabrication equipment used to physically machine the lens from the lens blank.
 13. The method of system 1, wherein the work order is in a graphical format showing the lens to be processed with lens blank manufacturer markings, and further wherein the laboratory information includes definitions for the markings.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the laboratory information further includes prescription manufacturing difficulties or recommended options for manufacturing the lens.
 15. A computer-implemented method of providing supplemental information in an electronic lens processing system for a facility, comprising: receiving by the electronic lens processing system a lens order, wherein the lens order specifies a prescription and parameters for a lens; performing calculations by the electronic lens processing system based at least upon the received lens order and facility information to generate a work order for the lens, wherein the facility information pertains to equipment, tools, or materials at the facility used to physically machine a lens from a lens blank at the facility; storing information about the calculations and the facility information as the supplemental information, and wherein the work order includes the facility information for physically machining the lens specified by the lens order from the lens blank at the facility; displaying by the electronic lens processing system at least a portion of the work order on a screen; detecting by the electronic lens processing system a selection by a user of an item on the work order displayed on the screen; in response to detecting by the electronic lens processing system the selection by the user, displaying by the electronic lens processing system previously undisplayed supplemental information corresponding to the selected item on the screen.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the facility information includes lens stock data and frame stock data.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the facility information includes surfacing data and finishing data.
 18. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions for implementing a method performed by a computer, the method comprising: receiving a lens order, wherein the lens order specifies a prescription and parameters for a lens; performing calculations based at least upon the received lens order and laboratory data to generate a work ticket for the lens, wherein the laboratory data pertain to equipment, tools, or materials at a laboratory used for fabricating lenses at the laboratory; storing information about the calculations and the laboratory data as supplemental information, wherein the supplemental information includes information for physically fabricating the lens from a lens blank; providing a work ticket based on the lens order, wherein the work ticket includes the laboratory data for physically fabricating the lens described by the lens order from the lens blank at the laboratory; displaying at least a portion of the work ticket on a screen; detecting a selection by a user of an item on the work ticket displayed on the screen; and in response to detecting the selection by the user, displaying previously undisplayed information corresponding to the item on the screen.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the laboratory data includes lens stock data and frame stock data.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the laboratory data includes information about lap tools used by the laboratory and specific lap tools and blocks for manufacturing the lens. 